It depends a lot on the traffic pattern in, around, and through the kitchen. I did an island for prep and a separate table for seating. I'm glad I gave up the idea of a loooong island instead, because the space between island and table gives us a direct route across the kitchen we wouldn't have had with one, big island. Also, it gives me a place to keep things (and people) clean and dry, separate from the messy or wet work area.

I agree with rhome about it depending on the floor plan, and also about walking around the long island. Had a semi-long one in the last house and while it was beautiful being so big and beefy and all, it was a bit of a trek around it to the other side of the kitchen. On the other hand, it had a lot of storage space in it, on all four sides, with the microwave in it on one side.

I have a love affair with the notion of dual islands. In fact, I did everything I could to try and figure out a way to fit them into my home. (remember that rhome?) In the end it wasnt feasible but I am still very much drawn to the idea.

I'd can the seating island and have a nice table instead, that people could be more comfortable at.

If we're talking two short or one long, I'd definitely make two if the one were more than 10-12 feet to prevent getting stuck behind it (and having long legged teens vaulting it). I say 10-12 because I really mean ten for the too big to want to walk around, but cutting an aisle into twelve or less leaves two very small islands. Generally, you want each to be at least five feet long, or have one longer one and one butcher block or other very small one.

OTOH, kitchens that are quite long and which are wide enough to support a 7-8 foot island crosswise are often nice with two widthwise parallel islands, where the outer island is used in lieu of a wall, as a separation point, service bar, prep or cooling area, or what have you, outside of the main traffic of the kitchen.

When you make your decisions consider the room as a whole, and any attached space, such as a breakfast area, dining room or family room.

We are in the midst of building and our cabinets just went in. We have two islands. The inner island is the prep island with a sink. The frig, cooktop and ovens are all within a step or two. The outer island is the entertainment/clean-up island. It has the dishwasher, single bowl sink and accesses the drawers where our dishes will go. There are also three seats at the raised bar.

The idea for us was to have a zone for me to cook uninterrupted when we have company over, but still be open to anyone getting something to drink or setting the table or just visiting. We originally planned for a U with an island, but turned it into two islands instead for better flow.

You can't see from this angle, but there's a command center where I'm standing taking the picture, with a large walk-in pantry right next to it.

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Here's the Parade of Homes kitchen that made us change our minds. (I need to see things to visualize them). There's a hidden walk in pantry behind the dark cabinetry.

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Source: Uploaded by user via Jen on Pinterest

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Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen cabinet installation

Thanks everyone! I am thinking one true island with a sink and lots of cabs for storage. The other would be a furniture looking islan/island height table with lots of comfy seating all the around it Then behind that...a sort of lounging keeping room. Wish I could draw!!

The PO had a 19' long island. I was going to keep it and just change the countertop.

But instead for a number of reasons we totally gutted it and went for one island and one work table, on wheels. I love it. It was actually DH's idea and he was so right.

No question in my mind. I would much rather have one larger island than two smaller islands. If you have kids, a large island is great for cooking projects and crafts/sewing projects you or other family members might want to spread out.

Years ago, we put one in with a small bar sink at one end. The rest is uninterrupted surface and boy, has it been used and used over the years. I would do it again in a heartbeat.